Top 10 Vehicles For A Beach Road Trip

What we thinkWith 64 seating options and 77 cubic feet of cargo room, we think the Element was made for a beach trip. Suicide doors and a rear dropdown tailgate will give you access to the beach umbrellas, chairs and surfboards that can easily be stowed in the car. Covering the front seats is a waterproof seat fabric - perfect for those who can’t be bothered to dry off before hitting the road.

What we thinkThe tough-as-nails Wrangler is the ideal summer car. With a removable cloth roof cover and doors, you’ll be able to feel the wind in your hair while driving along the coast. Fabric protectant on the seats keeps the interior free of saltwater stains. The Jeep’s fantastic off-road capabilities mean that parking on the sand will be of little consequence to its standard all-wheel drive.

What we thinkThe HHR has more functionality than a universal remote. The rear seats fold down pancake flat and are backed with a tough plastic that’s easy to clean and hard to scuff up. An optional sunroof will give you a head start on your tan, while an auxiliary jack means beach playlists will be available en route.

What we thinkNot only will the Mini Clubman turn beachgoers’ heads with its cool exterior, but storing all your beach gear is easy for this little car. Anything you stow away in its 32 cubic feet the car will be accessible via the rear barn-style doors and third door on the passenger side. Its 12-feet 11-inch size also means getting to the beach late won’t require spending the hours circling for a parking spot – it’ll fit pretty much anywhere.

What we thinkFor the money and size, no car can beat the Fit’s 41.9 cubic feet of space. Bikes, surfboards or four friends can fit depending on the configuration of the seats. Its stellar gas mileage encourages fewer stops to fill up and more time on the road – exactly what you need when the beach is calling your name.

What we thinkWhile the company is known for its safety, Volvo also provides maximum usability in the V50. Fold-flat seats are perfect for the usual beach items, and optional roof racks can hold anything that won’t fit in the 62.6 cubic feet of cargo space. The T5’s 5-cylinder turbocharged engine will ensure you get to the beach before the crowds arrive.

What we thinkThe Xterra is built for carrying bikes, kayaks and other large sporting equipment. Movable roof rack bars provide infinite overhead storage options, and sandy shoes and clothes can be contained in the roof mounted gear box. The trunk and back of the rear seats are covered in plastic, making your life easier when there’s a half ton of sand piled up in the interior.

What we thinkWith German functionality and superior drivability, the A4 will drop its occupants off at the beach in style. This cloth top convertible can sit four and is the perfect car if your beach trips involve minimal gear. Still, the trunk holds a surprising amount of cargo: 10.2 cubic feet. That’s more than the MINI Clubman’s when its seats are up.

At a glanceMSRP: $39,750Engine and drivetrain: 2.0-liter inline-4 engine with turbocharger with 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque powering the front-wheels; all-wheel drive available in the Quattro; CVT transmissionMPG: 21 city/30 highway

What we thinkNothing beats a summer drive under the sun, so the Edge’s standard panorama roof really seals the deal for us. The front passenger seats and rear seats fold flat to give the cargo space maximum flexibility. The rear liftgate opens with a touch of the key fob, letting you keep your grip on the cooler and pile of beach towels loaded in your arms.

What we thinkThe Subaru Tribeca holds seven occupants, perfect for bringing the family plus a few friends on a beach trip. A 12V outlet in the cargo area is available to plug in necessities while you’re hanging out at the beach, and eight cup holders give everyone a place to put their water bottles. All five rear seats fold down for if your family is comprised of a couple of dogs instead of kids.